Method and apparatus for directing a stream of pressurized fluid at a location forward of a wheel to improve the traction of the same

Abstract

Apparatus and method for reducing the air pressure ahead of the contact patch of a rotating wheel by directing an air jet substantially at right angles or forwardly of right angle to the plane of the wheel to increase, improve traction and the heating characteristics. In an embodiment the air is heated so as to further improve the traction and other characteristics.

I claim as our invention: 
     
       1. In a device having a rotating wheel which rotates about a spin axis and is adapted to contact a surface at the contact patch such that the wheel at the contact patch and the surface at the contact patch have the same velocity, means for supplying a gas jet in a direction that is essentially parallel with the spin axis at a location which is ahead of the contact patch. 
     
     
       2. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for supplying a gas jet has an output nozzle which is directed forwardly of a line which is perpendicular to said wheel. 
     
     
       3. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for supplying a gas jet includes a heater for heating said gas jet. 
     
     
       4. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for supplying a gas jet includes a gas compressor. 
     
     
       5. The device of claim 4 wherein said gas compressor includes a motor. 
     
     
       6. The device of claim 4 wherein said gas compressor comprises a compressed gas cylinder. 
     
     
       7. The device of claim 1 or 4 or 5 or 6 including a controller so as to vary the output of said gas jet. 
     
     
       8. The device of claim 7 including a pressure gauge mounted so as to monitor the output. 
     
     
       9. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for supplying a gas jet includes an input duct for receiving air therein and connected to an output duct for supplying said gas jet. 
     
     
       10. The device of claim 9 wherein said input duct is generally directed in the forward direction of the vehicle. 
     
     
       11. The method of increasing traction of a wheel which rotates about a spin axis and contacts a load bearing surface at a contact patch comprising, the step of directing a gas jet ahead of the contact patch under said wheel in a direction that is essentially parallel with the spin axis at a location ahead of the contact patch. 
     
     
       12. The method of claim 11 wherein said gas jet is directed in a direction which is ahead of perpendicular to the plane of said wheel. 
     
     
       13. The method of claims 11 or 12 including the additional step of heating the gas before supplying said gas jet. 
     
     
       14. The device of claims 1 or 4 or 5 or 6 wherein said means for supplying a gas jet applies said gas jet intermittently. 
     
     
       15. The device of claim 1 wherein a perpendicular component of the gas jet is sufficient so as to reach the edge of the wheel. 
     
     
       16. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for supplying a gas jet is a spoiler. 
     
     
       17. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of moving the location of the gas jet. 
     
     
       18. The method of claim 11 wherein a spoiler directs said gas jet.